Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN STYLE
Scandinavian modernism is perhaps the warmest and most organic iteration of modernist design. The work of the designers associated with vintage Scandinavian modern furniture was founded on centuries-old beliefs in both quality craftsmanship and the ideal that beauty should enhance even the humblest accessories of daily life.
ORIGINS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Emerged in the 1930s
- Originated primarily in Denmark, Sweden and Finland
- Introduced in the United States in mid-20th century
- Informed by the Bauhaus and modernism; influenced American mid-century modernism
CHARACTERISTICS OF SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGN
- Bold, clean lines and simple, sturdy symmetries
- Use of natural materials — native woods such as pine, ash and beech
- Open, airy spaces
- Promotion of functionality
- Emphasis on craftsmanship; rooted in cabinetry profession and traditional construction techniques
- Minimal ornamentation (little to no embellishment)
- A neutral or light color palette owing to prominence of light woods
SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNERS TO KNOW
- Alvar Aalto
- Hans Wegner
- Kaare Klint
- Arne Jacobsen
- Greta Magnusson Grossman
- Finn Juhl
- Arne Vodder
- Verner Panton
ICONIC SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE DESIGNS
VINTAGE SCANDINAVIAN MODERN FURNITURE ON 1STDIBS
The gentle, organic contours that are typical of Scandinavian design appear in the furnishings and decor created by Danish, Finnish and Swedish designers not as a stylistic gesture, but rather as a practical, ergonomic — and, as importantly, elegant — response to the human form.
Each nation produced exceptional talents in all areas of the applied arts, yet each had its forté. Sweden was home to Greta Magnusson Grossman and Bruno Mathsson — creators of the classic Grasshopper lighting series and Berlin daybed, respectively — but the country excelled most notably at ceramics. In the 1920s at the great Gustavsberg porcelain manufactory, Wilhelm Kåge introduced pieces in the Scandinavian style based on influences from folklore to Cubism; his skills were passed on to his versatile and inspired pupils Berndt Friberg and Stig Lindberg.
Likewise, Finland produced a truly ingenious Scandinavian modern furniture designer in the architect Alvar Aalto, a master at melding function and artistic form in works like the Paimio chair, created in collaboration with his first wife, Aino. Yet Finnish glassware was pre-eminent, crafted in expressive, sculptural designs by Tapio Wirkkala and Timo Sarpaneva.
The Danes excelled at chairs. Hans Wegner and Arne Jacobsen were exemplars of the country’s facility with wood, particularly teak.
Wegner created such iconic pieces as the Round chair and the Wishbone chair; Jacobsen — while the revolutionary architect and furniture innovator produced the best-selling plywood Ant chair — designed two classic upholstered pieces of the 1950s: the Swan chair and Egg chair. The list of great Danes could go on and on, including Finn Juhl, a stylistic maverick and maker of the bold Chieftain chair; Poul Kjaerholm, with his lean metal-and-rattan aesthetic; and Verner Panton, who introduced a vibrant Pop note into international design.
Today, decades after their heyday, the prolific, ever-evolving Scandinavian modernists continue to amaze and delight, and interior designers all over the world use their pieces to bring warmth to any given space.
On 1stDibs, you will note both instantly recognizable vintage Scandinavian modern chairs, sofas, rugs and tables — those that have earned iconic status over time — and many new discoveries.
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Style: Scandinavian Modern
Number in Set: Set of 9
Oxbend Chair, Dining Seat in Black Charcoal Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
The original inspiration for the entire Oxbend collection, this modern dining chair was designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking. Born from a desire to create a dining chair...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Oxbend Chair, Dining Seat in White Ashwood by Fernweh Woodworking
Located in Bend, OR
The original inspiration for the entire Oxbend collection, this modern dining chair was designed by Justin Nelson for Fernweh Woodworking. Born from a des...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Walnut, Purple Velvet Modern Essex Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek chair with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings in this case The Essex Building in Central Park south.
This chair is designed to fit in many environments, no matter the affair, in order to achieve simplicity, yet elegance. The Essex Armchair...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Walnut
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with black aniline leather.
Base of powder coated steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Chrome
Oak, Green Velvet Modern Essex Arm Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek chair with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings in this case The Essex Building in Central Park sou...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Suede, Wood, Oak
Kolho a Unique and Colorful Scandinavian Serpent like Chair
Located in Halikko, Finland
With Matthew Day Jackson
"Kolho is a series of tables and chairs formed of right angles and serpentine forms. It is inspired by Apollo landing a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Plywood
Chair Jackie in Ashwood and Color Rope by Emilio Nanni
By EMILIO NANNI
Located in MARANO VICENTINO, IT
Hybridization is the concept on which the Jackie collection is based. Designed by Emilio Nanni, it is a chair in which the stable solid wood frame meets a...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Italian Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Rope
Laakso, Lightweight Modern Scandinavian Dining Chair in Ash
By Saku Sysiö
Located in Halikko, Finland
This modern Classic is designed by Saku Sysiö from Aivan Design and Innovation agency. The soft and organic shaped furniture with its U-shaped “valley” as backrest gives safe ground ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
1960s Kai Kristiansen Fully Restored Dining Chairs in Teak and Black Leather
Located in Knebel, DK
Kai Kristiansens model 31 dining chairs with refinished frames and black leather upholstery.
The A-frame model 31 chairs were designed by Kai Kristiansen in 1956. The model with its...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Dietiker Ono, Modern Swiss Dining Chair, in American Walnut Wood by This Weber
By Dietiker
Located in Stein am Rhein, CH
Ono is a classic piece of Swiss design and the lightest of all wood chairs, weighing only 12.5 lbs (5.7 kg).
Designed by This Weber.
Manufactured with care from American Walnut wood...
Category
Early 2000s Hungarian Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut
Walnut, Blue Velvet Modern Essex Chair
Located in New York, NY
A sleek collection with an artistic appeal, that was inspired by the architecture of New York City buildings and this is the focus of the collection.
The p...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut, Suede, Wood
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base reuphols...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with cognac pure aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
Campaign walnut safari Dining Chair with Brown or Black Leather
Located in Ballard, CA
The Campaign Safari dining chair is a reverence to midcentury Danish furniture design. Meticulously crafted from solid walnut, the dining chair co...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Leather, Walnut
Hardwood and Leather Chairs by Kai Kristiansen Model 42
Located in Vienna, AT
Dining chairs, model 42, designed by Kai Kristiansen and manufactured in Denmark by Schou Andersen Møbelfabrik. The chairs are made from solid hardwood, featuring tapered legs, curve...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Hardwood
Akademia Chair in Oak or Ash by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with vintage tan aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base re-uphol...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Akademia Chair in Ash by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with walnut elegance aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
New shell and base reup...
Category
2010s Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Stainless Steel
Akademia Chair in Oak Stained Black by Wesley Walters & Salla Luhtasela
Located in Fiskars, FI
The light Akademia chair is designed by Wesley Walters and Salla Luhtasela in 2019. As the name suggests, the Akademia chair was the result of Wesley Wa...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
1960s Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs Inc. Reupholstery
By Erik Buch
Located in Knebel, DK
Erik Buch teak dining chairs from the 1960s.
The chairs feature a development of Erik Buchs well designed model 49 dining chair known for...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
1960s Erik Buch Teak Dining Chairs, Inc. Reupholstery
Located in Knebel, DK
1960s teak dining chairs with floating seat designed by Erik Buch for Oddense Maskinsnedkeri.
The chairs have a simple solid construction with elegant lines and a comfortable seatin...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak
10 Niels O. Møller Dining Chairs Model 71 by J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik in Denmark
Located in Los Angeles, CA
10 teak dining chairs designed by Niels Otto Møller for J. L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. The model 71 dates to 1968 and is an exceptional chair offerin...
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak, Upholstery
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen Dining Stackable Chairs Model Portex
Located in Vienna, AT
Peter Hvidt & Orla Mølgaard-Nielsen. Dining chairs/stackable chairs, model Portex. Designed in 1945. Produced by Fritz Hansen in the 1960s.
They come in a fully renewed finitio...
Category
1940s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Beech
1950s Danish Dining Chairs by Borge Mogensen in Teak and Beech
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A side chair with a solid beech frame and a seat and back of molded teak plywood. Most bear makers mark.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Teak, Beech
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair, Reupholstered in Purple Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Danish Hans J. Wegner airport chair by AP. Stolen reupholstered in purple fabric
Exceptional modern chair. Of its time designed in 1958, on tub...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nature leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair, Reupholstered in Green Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport chair by AP. Stolen Reupholstered in Green Fabric
Exceptional...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Linea RMT3 Chair in Ash by Rudi Merz
By Rudi Merz
Located in Fiskars, FI
Linea RMT3 chair is designed by Rudi Merz in 2009. Its curved backrest enhances seating comfort. The seat is always upholstered, and the frame is from northern European ash. Wooden j...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Ash
Arne Jacobsen Dining Chair
Located in Esbjerg, DK
Arne Jacobsen dining chair new upholstered with nubuck semi aniline leather.
Base of chrome steel tube.
Model 3107 Syveren, made by Fritz Hansen.
Category
1960s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather
Hans Wegner Oak and Cane Round Chair
Located in Brooklyn, NY
Model JH501 oak dining chair with cane seat, designed by Hans J. Wegner for Johannes Hansen, Denmark. This iconic Danish modern design is best known as "The ...
Category
Mid-20th Century Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Cane, Oak
Rare Dining Chairs by Kurt Østervig
Located in Vienna, AT
Kurt Østervig, solid dining chairs made of oak and teak, seats upholstered.
Designed in 1956. Produced by Randers Furniture.
A very good original condition, new upholstery and wood r...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Velvet, Oak, Teak
Linea RMT6 Armrest Chair in Ash by Rudi Merz
By Rudi Merz
Located in Fiskars, FI
The Linea RMT6 chair is designed by Rudi Merz in 2011. Its horseshoe shaped backrest is manufactured using traditional joinery and the wide, upholstered seat gives good seating comfo...
Category
2010s Finnish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Ash
1960s Reupholstered Orange Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Exceptional modern chair. Designed in 1958, on tubular-steel frames with sharp triangle boomerang shape. Seat have been reupholstere...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Nordic Dining Room Chair in Walnut or Oak
By Wewood
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful Nordic style chair all in wood, strong and light that enhances every room.
Available in oak or walnut and with upholstered seat pad.
Assembled with no screws o...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Walnut
Nordic Dining Room Chair in Walnut or Oak
By Studio Gud
Located in Paris, FR
A stunning beautiful Nordic style chair all in wood, strong and light that enhances every room.
Available in oak or walnut and with upholstered seat pad.
Assembled with no screws o...
Category
2010s Portuguese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Oak, Walnut
1960s Danish Hans J. Wegner Airport Chair Reupholstered in Black Fabric
Located in Knebel, DK
Hans Wegner AP38 'Airport' chair by A.P. Stolen.
Exceptional modern chair. of it´s time Designed in 1958, on tubular-steel frames. Seat have been reupholstered with black Kvadrat Ha...
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel
Midcentury Danish Dining Chairs
Located in Vienna, AT
Hardwood construction (walnut) upholstered seat and backrest. Excellent restored with new upholstery.
Up to 10 pieces available.
Delivery time about 3-4 weeks.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Upholstery, Walnut
Scandinavian Modern Walnut and Cream Leather Dining Chair
Located in Greenwich, CT
Built to order dining chairs with solid walnut frame with oil finish. High quality leather. Very durable design and materials, great for restaurants, hotels and in homes that host all the holidays. Our best dining chair...
Category
2010s American Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Walnut, Upholstery
Limited Edition Dining Chairs by Ask Emil Skovgaard
By Ask Emil Skovgaard
Located in Long Island City, NY
Kora dining chairs, designed and handmade personally by Ask Emil Skovgaard, Denmark. Limited edition.
Measurements: Seat height 45 cm, (17.7") overall height 80 cm (31.5").
Materials...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Walnut
Black Leather 'Oxford' Chair by Arne Jacobsen for Fritz Hansen
Located in Sagaponack, NY
A swiveling 'Oxford' chair designed by Arne Jacobsen featuring a low black leather back on a cast aluminum five point base. Made in Denmark by Fritz Hansen.
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Danish Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Steel, Aluminum
Captain's Armchair, Zinc White
Located in Westwood, NJ
Captain's armchair - references to modern stylings and Scandanavian sentiments. The solid hardwood frame is finished in zinc white with interlocking supports for a clean and minimal ...
Category
21st Century and Contemporary Vietnamese Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Wood
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 Chairs
Located in Los Angeles, CA
Set of 12 Hans Wegner JH-503 chairs designed in 1949 and Produced by Johannes Hansen.
Category
1950s Danish Vintage Scandinavian Modern Dining Room Chairs
Materials
Leather, Teak
Scandinavian Modern dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs.
Find a broad range of unique Scandinavian Modern dining room chairs for sale on 1stDibs. Many of these items were first offered in the 21st Century and Contemporary, but contemporary artisans have continued to produce works inspired by this style. If you’re looking to add vintage dining room chairs created in this style to your space, the works available on 1stDibs include seating, tables, building and garden elements and other home furnishings, frequently crafted with wood, hardwood and other materials. If you’re shopping for used Scandinavian Modern dining room chairs made in a specific country, there are Europe, Scandinavia, and Denmark pieces for sale on 1stDibs. While there are many designers and brands associated with original dining room chairs, popular names associated with this style include Hans J. Wegner, Niels Otto Møller, Fritz Hansen, and J.L. Møllers Møbelfabrik. It’s true that these talented designers have at times inspired knockoffs, but our experienced specialists have partnered with only top vetted sellers to offer authentic pieces that come with a buyer protection guarantee. Prices for dining room chairs differ depending upon multiple factors, including designer, materials, construction methods, condition and provenance. On 1stDibs, the price for these items starts at $70 and tops out at $110,000 while the average work can sell for $3,465.
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